Are Marine Satellite Domes Really That Big?

Are Marine Domes Really That Big?

Boat owners, have you ever wondered why marine domes seem so big? You’d think with modern technology being what is, these dishes would be smaller. We can watch live TV on our cellphones, so, why can’t we have a cellphone-sized satellite domes on our vessels? As the marine satellite TV experts, Signal Connect has your answer. It has to do with the nature of marine satellite domes and how these devices deliver programming to your vessel. You’ll understand that these devices are much smaller than they look, yet still so effective at delivering the TV programming you crave on your vessel.

Satellite Dishes: An Introduction

To better understand marine domes, you first have to be familiar with standard, residential satellite dishes. For most people, these devices were their introduction to the wonderful world of satellite TV. Today, the average residential satellite dish is about 39 inches wide. The reason for this is simple: an FCC rule states that dishes smaller than 39.37 inches (one meter) are good to be used on most homes. Most homeowners associations (HOAs) might forbid residents from using a dish that’s bigger than that.

When you get satellite dish at your home or business, the installer typically mounts it atop your roof or beside your home. To do this, he or she will use a signal finder that locates where the satellite is in the sky. The installer uses that to line up your dish for the best signal feed. He or she will then connect that dish to your receiver equipment with cables. Once that’s done, the installer calls the satellite provider to activate your account. Once that’s done, you can watch your favorite shows.

The Magic of Marine Domes

When comparing marine satellite dishes to terrestrial ones, it might surprise you to know these devices are pretty much the same size. Marine satellite domes only look bigger because of the radome, which is the white outer shell that surrounds the dish. Yes, underneath that huge plastic bubble is a satellite dish that looks very similar to one that might be at your home or office. That said, this is where the similarities end.

While a residential satellite dish remains in a fixed position, a marine dish actually rotates itself a full 360 degrees. The reason for this is simple: this rotation keeps the dish connected to the signal sent by the provider’s satellite(s) in the sky. Boat owners don’t just leave their vessels tied to the dock all day. You like to take your craft out on the water for days of fun in the sun. When your boat is on the move, it changes its position relative to the provider’s satellite, so your marine dish must rotate to stay connected.

The stabilizing technology is another feature that makes marine domes different from standard satellite dishes. Whether you take your boat out or keep it tied to the docks, the movement of the waves makes reception impossible for a dish without a stabilizer. This is why no one in the right mind would hook a standard dish to their boat. Marine satellite dishes have built in stabilizing system that accounts for the movement of the water and doesn’t allow it to interfere with your viewing. This gives you strong signal without interference.

Satellite Dish Size Comparisons

So, by now you know that the shell of a marine dome makes it look bigger than traditional satellite dishes. Let’s take a closer look at the size comparisons using two popular satellite domes by Intellian. As dishes go, the Intellian s6HD system might be the closest size match to a standard dish. At just 27.56 inches (70 centimeters) in diameter, it’s actually 30 percent smaller than the average 39-inch dish. The Intellian i3 system, another popular marine satellite dish, is only 17.32 inches (44 centimeters) in diameter. Don’t let these small sizes fool you. Both of these models from Intellian are a favorite among many private and commercial boat owners. It’s the same with the variety of similar-sized marine domes from KVH.

Signal Connect Knows Marine Satellite TV

Maybe you’re a boat owner who’s considering adding satellite TV to your vessel. If so, you probably have a lot of questions. For example, you might wonder which marine dome and satellite TV receiver is best for your craft. You might also have questions about billing, service, and many other things marine satellite TV-related. Signal Connect has delivered satellite TV to boat owners, marina owners, and oil rigs on both coasts. We can help you, too.

At Signal Connect, we know how to help boat owners get the best satellite TV package and installation. Our marine satellite TV experts, David Ross and Josh Weiss, will help you choose the right programming package and equipment. They’ll even connect you with a satellite installation expert in your area. Once the installation is done, our guys get your account activated quickly so you can start watching TV right away. If all this sounds exciting, or you still have more questions, give us a call at 866-726-4182.